Help in choosing Tangs
- Thread starter yellowfiji
- Start date
Whichever Tang you get, I don't know that you can depend on it to eradicate algae if you have a problem with it, it will need a lot of help from your sound tank management. I can recommend the Hawaiian Yellows though; healthy established ones look terrific, nothing like the stressed-out ones in the LFS. And they will appreciate some algae to graze on. I don't have any first-hand experience with the other two varieties you mention.
Shane's question is pertinent, too. You may already be aware that Tangs need lotsa room; if not, search the board for appearances by the Tang Police for more than you could ever want to know on the subject of Tangs and their space requirements. :wink:
Shane's question is pertinent, too. You may already be aware that Tangs need lotsa room; if not, search the board for appearances by the Tang Police for more than you could ever want to know on the subject of Tangs and their space requirements. :wink:
Hmmm, looks like a tangpolice sting operation...
Anyway, I had a mimic tang for a while in a 65 that did quite well; I like that group (mimics) for smaller tanks due to their comparatively smaller size and less roving character.
Tangs aren't really a good solution for an algae problem- tuxedo urchins work pretty well on almost anything though...
Anyway, I had a mimic tang for a while in a 65 that did quite well; I like that group (mimics) for smaller tanks due to their comparatively smaller size and less roving character.
Tangs aren't really a good solution for an algae problem- tuxedo urchins work pretty well on almost anything though...
As stated above in some other posts, the type of algae you intend to erradicate is important and the reason why you have it in the first place. All tanks will grow algae over the rock. It is natural. If you have tons, especially the very undesirable types, tangs are not going to do much for you.
I have a yellow tang and he eats practically nothing off the rocks. My naso tang on the other hand, eats just about everything except bubble algae and bryopsis. Much better as a herbivore. Nasos will get quite large however, so not knowing your tank size is hard to advise you in that regard. The other 2 species you mentioned I haven't ahd any experience with, so I can't comment. Maybe others will.
Good luck.
Cool, Tang Police here too! But, all seriousness aside, my research on this topic brought me to Yellow-eyed Kole Tang. Smaller than most of the others, grazes incessantly all day. From what I read they are relatively hardy for a Tang...IF you get one that hasn't injured its mouth. I guess either collection or shipping can often lead to mouth injuries that doom the fish. I was lucky, mine is healthy happy and a glutton, even goes for flakes.
And yes, I'm relatively irresponsible, my tank is 40X18X20. Yes officer...I'll assume the position.
And yes, I'm relatively irresponsible, my tank is 40X18X20. Yes officer...I'll assume the position.
I wonder why jeweldamsel never got back with any specific information on tank size? I'm also still wondering which tang goes by the common name of lemon tang? Jeweldamsel, Bob Fenner gives recomendations on tank size for tangs in his book "The Conscience Marine Aquarist". Bob is a little more generous in what he "allows" you to keep than members of the Tang Police. I'm afraid as well meaning as they are, that the Tang Police are taking much of the fun out of the hobby. I don't see many kids going to these boards and reading some of these threads and saying: "Wow that sounds like such an enjoyable hobby I think I'll give it a try." There has got to be a way to promote and encourage marine fishkeeping without making people feel like they are in marine bootcamp. :wink:
Mitch
Mitch
dizzy, etal,
You make an excellent point. I think it is probably time for some of us to become internal affairs officers for the Tang Police. To make it a habit to stop into Tang threads, and not confront or dispute, but to offer advice in a more friendly manner. I understand the passion that these guys have for the fish, but compassion for people has a place too. I have been guilty of avoiding Tang threads on any board...until recently. I think scaring off a newbie from a possible chance to become a good aquarist is a worse scenario than having someone put a Yellow Tang into a 10g. Because if they leave these boards because of being flamed, where are they going to get their info? LFS? You betcha, and we all know where that leads don't we?
And that's my edgy RC oriented .02...I may be wrong. :lol:
You make an excellent point. I think it is probably time for some of us to become internal affairs officers for the Tang Police. To make it a habit to stop into Tang threads, and not confront or dispute, but to offer advice in a more friendly manner. I understand the passion that these guys have for the fish, but compassion for people has a place too. I have been guilty of avoiding Tang threads on any board...until recently. I think scaring off a newbie from a possible chance to become a good aquarist is a worse scenario than having someone put a Yellow Tang into a 10g. Because if they leave these boards because of being flamed, where are they going to get their info? LFS? You betcha, and we all know where that leads don't we?
And that's my edgy RC oriented .02...I may be wrong. :lol:
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